Thursday after Ash Wednesday

These are explicit, challenging questions. Jesus asks these pointed questions to those around him – notably – after “praying alone,” according to today’s account in Luke. Yet his disciples are within earshot. They appear surprised by the first question and stunned by the second.

Here Jesus’ direct questions suggest two realms: an outer realm of the opinions of others and an inner, idiosyncratic, individual realm. He implies, firmly, the inner realm needs more serious self-reflection, reconsideration, and reforming. The consequences he states are daunting, but those outlined in the readings from Deuteronomy and the Psalms could seem even starker. Great. Here’s to entering a happy Lent.

Yet I wonder if these texts for the season have to be reduced and interpreted so literally as to only seem paralyzing or divisive. Instead, perhaps they could be absorbed as a candid, tough, but loving guide for working through inner, personal discords – for bracing up in order to re-embrace an unsure future more wholly. Or, reframing a familiar popular meme: to boldly go inward in ways one has not gone before.

Below is a link to a brief video clip of a Mandelbrot set of fractals, which, though not consisting of religious imagery per se, might, with a little imagination serve as a visual allegory to initiate one’s inner journey this season.

These short essays represent the collected labor of a group of like-minded individuals who are seeking to understand the world around them, and their place in it, within the context of the gospels. Each reflection strives to unravel the mystery which lies at the center of the gospels’ beating heart — the command “to love thy neighbor as thyself.”

To love thy neighbor as thyself. What does it mean to love one’s neighbor? And perhaps even more mysteriously, what does it mean to love one’s self? How does one love? And what is love anyway?

Much is being said about the dark times we live in, but to the well-organized mind these times might be seen as an opportunity to test one’s self; to put one’s faith into action; to discover who we really are as a people, as a nation and as individuals. Who am I? Who are we ? It is only when there is a crisis, when we are challenged, that we can hope to find out. Not all will be victory, but each right action, each kind act has the power to elevate us to higher ground, to transform our lives and bring us closer to the true meaning of our lives and our true purpose in the world.

With these thoughts in mind I commend these writings to you. May it speed you on your way and bring you closer to your own true purpose — and your own beating heart.

In one sense, Good Friday is probably considered the darkest day of the Christian year. After all, we commemorate the crucifixion, and the Church traditionally observes the day with a solemn three-hour service, and with fasting. However, it is also part of the “Triduum” or three great days extending from Maundy Thursday to Easter Eve… [ More → ]

Feet are strong — each foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Feet are also sensitive — from a harmless tickle to a fractured toe or heel spur. All this said, feet tend to get a bad rap. Because of this stigma we tend to hide our feet and are protective of them, which brings me to the reading from John. [ More → ]

Of course, you get what you need exactly when you need it! And I need Psalm 70!

After six and half decades on Planet Earth, I am approaching 70. And for the first time in my life, I am experiencing Evil — bad people & bad situations. I quote Psalm 23 a lot. I feel I walk through a valley of the shadow of death. [ More → ]

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A hard-copy version of the Lenten Devotional book with Ascension parishioners' reflections on the readings for the season is available by request using this form or by calling the church office at 212-254-8620. (A suggested donation of $7 covers the cost of printing and postage.)

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